St. Augustine in St. Johns County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Warden Winter Home
Photographed By Craig Swain, August 1, 2011
1. Warden Winter Home Marker
Inscription.
Warden Winter Home. . The Warden Winter Home was built in 1887 for William G. Warden of Philadelphia. A partner with Henry Flagler and John D. Rockefeller in the Standard Oil Company, Warden was also the President of the St. Augustine Gas and Electric Light Company and Financial Director of the St. Augustine Improvement Company. One of the most imposing private residences in the city, it was a center of winter social activity. Its Moorish Revival architecture and elaborate interior reflect the exuberance of the Gilded Age and St. Augustine's role as a winter resort. It remained in the Warden family through the 1930s. In 1941 it was purchased by Norton Baskin and remodeled as the Castle Warden Hotel. Baskin and his wife, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (author of The Yearling), had an apartment on the top floor. Many writers and other distinguished visitors came here during its decade as a hotel. Locally known as Warden Castle, it has served as Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum since 1950.
The Warden Winter Home was built in 1887 for William G. Warden of Philadelphia. A partner with Henry Flagler and John D. Rockefeller in the Standard Oil Company, Warden was also the President of the St. Augustine Gas and Electric Light Company and Financial Director of the St. Augustine Improvement Company. One of the most imposing private residences in the city, it was a center of winter social activity. Its Moorish Revival architecture and elaborate interior reflect the exuberance of the Gilded Age and St. Augustine's role as a winter resort. It remained in the Warden family through the 1930s. In 1941 it was purchased by Norton Baskin and remodeled as the Castle Warden Hotel. Baskin and his wife, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (author of The Yearling), had an apartment on the top floor. Many writers and other distinguished visitors came here during its decade as a hotel. Locally known as Warden Castle, it has served as Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum since 1950.
Erected 1992 by Florida Department of State, Sponsored by Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. (Marker Number F-336.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 29° 53.961′ N, 81° 18.863′ W.
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Marker is in St. Augustine, Florida, in St. Johns County. Marker is at the intersection of North Ocean Boulevard (State Road A1A) and West Castillo Drive, on the right when traveling north on North Ocean Boulevard. Located in front of the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saint Augustine FL 32084, United States of America. Touch for directions.
A reproduction of Michelangelo's David stands outside the Warden Winter Home.
Photographed By Craig Swain, August 1, 2011
5. Magnificence in Marble
Informational marker for the statue of David.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 20, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,847 times since then and 142 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on August 30, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on August 31, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
